ATLANTA (Oct. 23, 2023) - Officials from the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl today announced that Virginia head football coach Tony Elliott has been selected as The Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week Presented by PNC Bank.
The Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week award honors a football coach who led his team to a significant victory during the previous week, while also embodying the award's three pillars of scholarship, leadership and integrity.
Elliott led the Cavaliers to a 31-27 upset over previously undefeated No. 10 North Carolina in Chapel Hill. The win marks Virginia's first-ever victory over a top-10 opponent on the road and its first win over a top-10 team since 2005 against Florida State. The Cavaliers overcame a 24-14 deficit in the third quarter and took the lead in the fourth on a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tony Muskett to Senior receiver Malik Washington, who finished the day with 12 receptions for 115 yards and one touchdown. UVA linebacker James Jackson then intercepted North Carolina's pass with 26 seconds left to seal the victory for the Cavaliers. Virginia's rushing attack had 228 yards on the day and was carried by Mike Hollins who ran for three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Virginia's defense was led by Coen King's eight solo tackles and two pass break ups.
"Coach Elliott and the Cavaliers had a historic road win on Saturday that will be remembered in Charlottesville for years to come," said Jim Terry, chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation. "Coach Dodd would have praised Virginia's grit and determination to overcome a double-digit deficit in the second half and pull out one of the biggest wins in program history."
Elliott is now in his second season with the Cavaliers. He previously served as the wide receivers coach at South Carolina State and Furman before spending 11 seasons with Clemson as a tight ends coach, offensive coordinator and assistant head coach under Dabo Swinney. While at Clemson, Elliott is credited with two CFP National Championships as an offensive coordinator and was the winner of the Broyles Award in 2017, which recognizes the nation's top assistant coach.
Elliott's players have had continuous success in the classroom during his tenure, recording a 983 Academic Progress Rate and an 85 Graduation Success Rate during the 2022 season.
"Coach Elliott has brought a culture to Virginia that's more than just winning on the field," said Peach Bowl, Inc. CEO & President, Gary Stokan. "He wants his student-athletes to succeed at the highest level and is striving to instill a championship mindset into each of them. His leadership in the wake of last year's tragic events also speaks volumes to the type of person he is, particularly with how this team was able to overcome adversity and secure an incredible upset this weekend."
The Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC Bank – along with the Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week Award – celebrates the head coach of a FBS team who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity.
A panel consisting of all previous winners, national media, a member of the Dodd family and a College Football Hall of Fame member will identify the final list of potential recipients at the conclusion of the 2023 season. The winner of the 2023 Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC Bank will be announced in Atlanta during the week of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
